Financial Aid Outreach Counselor -- Montgomery College OSFA, TP/SS

Job Description Summary

Financial Aid Outreach Counselor

Montgomery College, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, has an immediate need for a full-time Financial Aid Outreach Counselor. We are willing to consider a candidate at the trainee level for this position. The position requires bilingual skills (Spanish preferred). The main work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5pm with some evening and offsite events during the Academic Year. This position is non-bargaining, non-exempt, Grade 27. For non-exempt positions, you are not eligible to work a secondary job at Montgomery College.

Job Description

Duties include but are not limited to:

Manage a financial aid program and/or a financial aid process including the verification, awarding, and report processing.

Write, design, and conduct financial aid presentations and workshops in English and Spanish to students and family representatives at middle schools, high schools, community organizations and Montgomery College (MC) events.

Plan and execute specials Initiatives and events for the Office of Student Financial Aid

Create and manage social media content for the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Counsel and educate students, their families, and the community on federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. Advise them on the regulations and procedures for applying for financial aid from various agencies.

Maintain thorough knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, and state and institutional policies. Understand the relation of federal regulations to Montgomery College Policy and Procedure.

Use comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including Title IV, to interpret rules and regulations as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.

Bilingual (Spanish preferred)

At least three years (trainee level) of experience in financial aid. The position at a grade 27 requires five years of experience in financial aid.

Comprehensive knowledge of one or more of the following programs: loans, work study, scholarships or other federal or state programs and ability to perform needs analysis and prepare aid packages for students.

Knowledge of institutional rules, guidelines, procedures, and practices, and of modern office procedures and practices as applied to the operations of a financial aid office.

Thorough knowledge of customer service techniques for public contact.

Skill in interpersonal relations (including serving a diverse community) with ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, and work effectively with others within and outside of the institution.

Skill in the use of student financial aid data management systems and computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite software appropriate for the duties assigned.

Eligible applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States and not require employer visa sponsorship.

Please Note:We are willing to consider candidates who possess at least three years of experience in a financial aid office. In this situation, a candidate would be hired at a trainee level (one pay grade lower) and would remain at the trainee level for two years or until such time they have completed the training successfully.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with writing, creating, and conducting financial aid presentations and workshops in English and Spanish.

General knowledge of student services area, such as Admissions, Registration, Business Office, Counseling and Advising, including FERPA and student confidentiality.